Snow Chrysanthemum Tea

Why people make this tea

Kunlun snow chrysanthemum is a tea Nourilo finds worth keeping in the cupboard: traditionally favoured for blood pressure and blood fats, the cup steeps to a lovely amber-red with a mellow, fragrant sweetness. This little daisy grows high on the cliffs of the Kunlun range above 3,000 metres and blooms only briefly each August, which is why it is so prized.

Method

1. Put the snow chrysanthemum in a teapot, pour in boiling water and steep 3–5 minutes.
2. Serve; you can keep re-steeping until the flavour fades.

Nourilo’s Tips

The tea is clear, mellow and soothing, with a sweet aftertaste. You can add a small pinch of goji berries (gou qi zi) to steep alongside. Note that snow chrysanthemum spoils easily and is prone to weevils, so store it in the fridge. It is available at Chinese herb shops and online.